King and the Dragonflies

When King’s older brother dies unexpectedly King’s world is turned upside down. He is sure Khalid has come back as a dragonfly and seeks him at the bayou every day after school. There he encounters his friend Sandy who he has been avoiding since Sandy came out to him as gay and when Sandy runs away from his abusive father, King lies to protect Sandy and musters the courage to admit that he, too, is gay. This timely novel, suitable as a class read-aloud, can launch discussion of grief, gender identity, sexual orientation, child abuse, race, safety, and the need for children to feel and be loved. Useful for students to develop an understanding of the challenges facing LGBTQ and BIPOC people.